OPINION
Newcastle United are probably one game away from safety.
Mathematically that might not be the case, and you should never count your chickens before they’ve hatched, but it’s looking pretty good for the Toon Army.
That being said, Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace will be a very tricky fixture indeed, and the Magpies need all the help they can get to grind out a win.
That’s why Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder’s prematch reveal on his personal Twitter account that Isaac Hayden is in the squad will be such a massive boost for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Isaac Hayden in the squad today after injury worry. #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) April 6, 2019
The midfielder has become a crucial part of this team, and arguably the most consistent performer they have had over the past few months.
While uncertainty reigns with regards to who should partner him for the remainder of the season, Hayden has established himself as an absolute lynchpin in the engine room.
If the Magpies are to continue the fine form they have discovered since the start of the year, you would bet that he will play a vital role in that ascension, and after serving a bit of an injury scare, it will be good to see him included today.
With the likes of Mo Diame, Jonjo Shelvey, and Ki Sung-yeung all failing to live up to their respective billings, Hayden is now more important than ever, and he should be given every chance to prove that between now and the end of the season.
